Breast Lift (Mastopexy) with or without Implants
Purpose of Procedure
This operation includes multiple components and goals. The nipple areolar complex (NAC) is lifted up to a higher and more youthful cosmetically appealing position. Excess skin and soft tissue are removed. The breast is tightened and reshaped. Implants may be inserted into the breast to make them bigger and to help improve overall breast shape and appearance. Short scar techniques are employed to try and minimize the residual scars.
Brief Description of the Procedure
This surgery may be performed under general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. All surgery is done at Dr. Payne’s MediCare and California state certified Pueblo Nuevo Surgery Center located within his office.
Incisions may be hidden around the outer edge of the NAC, travel straight down from the bottom of the NAC towards the crease underneath the breast (IMC=inframammary crease), and sometimes be placed in the crease itself. There are multiple variations of these methods and Dr. Payne will share with each patient what he thinks would work best for them and their anatomy.
Implants may be combined with breast lift (mastopexy) surgery. They may be inserted under the breast (subglandular) or under the muscle (partial subpectoral). Implant options include saline versus silicone. The outer shells of the implants may be textured or smooth. Implants come in different shapes including round versus tear dropped.
Dr. Payne will discuss the pros and cons of all these choices with each client and help guide each person to the decision which is best for them. In addition, each patient’s results are customized to fit their particular set of circumstances in the operating room on the day of surgery.
Likely Outcome and Longevity
Most patients are very pleased with their results after this type of surgery. Breasts can be cosmetically damaged as a result of pregnancies, breast feeding, lifestyle choices, genetics and the aging process. Often times women prior to surgery will generally look quite good from head to toe except for drooping, deflated, small breasts which lack definition and shape. By lifting the breasts, recontouring them, and, if necessary, inserting breast implants the breast appearance can be dramatically improved. These operations can make women look and feel sexier. Surgical results restore the image of youth and fitness. Patients have increased self-confidence and self-esteem. The individual feels better and often times spouses, friends and family generate positive feedback increasing patient satisfaction.
Most surgical procedures in plastic surgery are not permanent and neither is the breast lift operation. Women who need breast lift surgery generally have skin and soft tissue that is not in good shape. Their tissue is usually quite stretchy, loose, and lacks elasticity. The skin may be thin and covered with stretch marks. The breast tissue is often spongy, compressible, and lacks a distinct form. This means that as time passes the breast may stretch and lose some of it’s initial cosmetic appeal. Implants can increase the tendency of the breast to stretch especially in the lower pole of the breast. This can result in “bottoming out”. All patients, however, are different and this means it can be hard to predict which patient might need future additional treatment to correct these kinds of problems.
Dr. Payne likes to see all lift and lift with implant patients at one year after their initial surgery. At that time the results from surgery are evaluated and any touchup or revision surgery that might be needed is discussed and can be performed. This may involve a simple correction performed under local anesthesia or may require a general anesthetic depending on the needs of the patient.
Recovery Issues
Most patients will need a week off work after this surgery. The recovery process is generally quite rapid. Patients who like to exercise can usually resume some type of workout within a week of surgery and can be doing strenuous exercise within 3–4 weeks. Dr Payne will provide each patient with a detailed set of postoperative instructions as well as several medications aimed at minimizing discomfort after the surgery. He will discuss each patient’s needs in detail so that they can make plans appropriate to their individual circumstances. All patients are followed closely until they are well healed and back to normal.
Cost
Please contact our office for information regarding cost. You can get a ballpark non-binding quote over the phone for this surgical procedure. The cost of the consultation is $100 and will be applied to any surgical procedure that you have. Once you have had your consultation with Dr. Payne the final details of the operative game plan will be made. At that point you will be given a final fee quote. There are multiple options for each patient hence cost may vary from person to person.
Consultation/Scheduling
Please contact our office if you wish to make an appointment to see Dr. Payne for a Consultation. Our office staff will be happy to talk to you in detail about this procedure. Feel free to ask lots of questions.
Your initial Consultation will be with Dr. Payne. This generally will take about 1 hour. You may visit the office prior to this consultation to have preoperative photographs taken or to simply come by and chat. If you would like you can stop by to see our Before and After album filled with dozens of digital images of clients who have undergone breast lift procedures with or without implants. You will be given multiple brochures and other paperwork which will help to prepare you for your consultation. All your options will be discussed with you at the time you make your first appointment.
